New Delhi, Dec 10 (IANS) Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad Thursday said that all parliamentarians must become spokespersons for health and create awareness about the prevention of various diseases.

'There is need to create an atmosphere for better accountability and progress of health related initiatives at both central and state levels,' he said, at a meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee on Health here.

Chairing a meeting of the parliamentary committee, the minister said, 'The members of Parliamentary Standing Committee and Consultative Committee should emerge as a strong voice for health sector both in parliament and outside'.

The committee Thursday discussed reproductive and child health programmes in India. In a lively discussion, committee members said there is a need for 'better monitoring' of several healthcare initiatives.

While Samajwadi Party's Shailendra Kumar said there is a need for better awareness among the people, Trinamool Congress' Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar emphasized the involvement of MPs in monitoring of central schemes at the state level.

Communist Party of India-Marxist's R.C. Dome, another member of the committee, said that neo-natal care is a matter of concern and should be strengthened at all levels.

Many other parliamentarians while supporting the view said that malnutrition issue needs more attention and awareness must be created in local language.

The Congress' Oscar Fernanades said that poverty and lack of awareness are the two biggest bane of health sector. All members emphasised a sharper focus on family planning and awareness generation.